Page 118 of Ruthless Legacy

I pretend to read over the paperwork, pen poised in the air, keeping my expression blank. I force myself not to imagine all the ways I’m gonna make her sweet little ass pay for putting me in this position.

The longer I take, the more frustrated Burke gets. He blurts out, “This is a waste of time. He’s been quite adamant about his refusal to participate in even the most basic way with The League. He’s turned his back on his family obligations and barely fulfills his responsibility as a recruiter for MISTIC. He doesn’t have the right to challenge me for the position. My petition to act as Selectee LaReaux’s mentor was accepted.”

Thea hasn’t moved. She hasn’t said a word, and she still refuses to look at me. She’s in what I like to call Army-of-One mode. As far along as we’ve come, she still doesn’t trust that someone else will have her back.

I wouldn’t have chosen to be here, but there’s no way in hell I’m letting her go through this alone. “You know, I love a good challenge. Why the hell not?”

I ball up the paperwork, toss it in the air, and whack it with my hand. It flies towards Atlas, hitting him in the shoulder. Home run.

I ignore the chaos erupting around me. I’m focused on one person, watching as she finally exhales.

The council brings the room to order. “Deacon Wolfe, you’ve challenged Leonardo Burke for the role of mentor to selectee LaReaux. Do you wish to compete in the challenge or appoint a proxy?”

“I’ll compete.” They ask Burke the same question and he chooses a proxy.

“Leonardo Burke, you have 24 hours to appoint your proxy or you will participate in the challenge. Acknowledge your understanding of this 24 hour rule.”

“Understood.”

“We will select a neutral location for the challenge. We will notify you both once the date and time is set. Failure to show up at the appointed place and time for the challenge forfeits your claim. Acknowledge your understanding of this notice to appear.”

I tip my chin. “Understood.”

Atlas bangs his gavel. “Prospects, initiates, and members, this meeting is adjourned. You are dismissed.”

Thea’s escorted to a side door and I let the guard walk me out the front. The loud clang of the door closing behind me is like the first bell approaching a showdown at high noon.

The League loves the element of surprise, but I know I have at least 24 hours before they set a date. They have to honor the timeframe they gave Leo to pick his proxy.

That’s more than enough time to deal with my troublemaking student.

* * *

Thea

I flex my hands, trying to stop them from shaking. Wolfe agreed to challenge Burke to be my mentor. He looked pissed when he came through the door. I know how he feels about the league and the legacy families, so I didn’t think he’d agree to do it.

I was prepared for him to say no. Scott was my next choice. I wait while my escort collects my things from the security room.

“Selectee LaReaux?”

“Esteemed member Graham.”

“I saw you submitted a question during your review week.”

“Yes sir, I did.”

He beckons me to the door next to the security room. “It was an unusual question. Might I ask why you made that particular inquiry?”

“I like to know all my options.”

“I see. I know this may be confusing to you. Just be aware that getting through this next phase won’t be easy. You rejecting the mentor we’ve chosen is already putting you at a disadvantage.”

“I don’t need easy. I just wanna know I’m getting a fair chance.”

He stands holding the door open for me and pats me on the shoulder as I walk out. “Good luck selectee LaReaux.”

The bus returns me to the same parking lot it picked me up from. As soon as it pulls off, I connect to my ride share app. There’s only one thing I want right now. Comfort food from the diner.

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